Triceps exercise device and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A triceps exercise device having a rigid bar and flexible extensions coupled to ends of the rigid bar. The device permits a user to perform a triceps pushdown/pressdown type of exercise and to variably exercise any of the three heads of the triceps brachii muscle, depending on the direction in which the flexible extensions are moved as they are pushed downward.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to exercise devices and methods therefor and, more specifically, to a device and a method for exercising the three heads of the triceps brachii muscle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bodybuilders and others involved in with physical fitness through weight training generally look for those exercises and those pieces of equipment that will most effectively train the particular muscles or muscles that are being trained. Among body builders in particular, the arm muscles tend to get a lot of attention during work-outs. These include the biceps brachii, one of the best-known muscles in the human body, and the triceps brachii.

[0003] The triceps brachii is an important upper arm muscle. It is found on the posterior side of the upper arm and has three heads—a long head, medial head, and lateral head. The action of the muscle is to extend the arm and forearm. From the point of view of the bodybuilder, a well-developed triceps brachii increases the size of the upper arm and significantly enhances its appearance.

[0004] There are a number of different exercises, utilizing a number of different pieces of gym equipment, for training the various heads of the triceps brachii. Two of the most popular triceps exercises involve the use of a UNIVERSAL® type of selectorized machine, in which a person manipulates a bar coupled to a cable causing a stack of weights to be lifted—the amount of which weight is selected by the insertion of a pin below the desired weight. For the triceps, the exercise is variously referred to as a “pressdown” or a “pushdown.” It involves a person standing upright before a selectorized machine, grasping with both hands (in a palms down orientation) a bar positioned at the level of the lower chest, and pushing or pressing the bar down toward the ground until at or near the point that the arms are fully extended downward. This movement, of course, causes the stack of weights to be lifted.

[0005] In the same manner that body builders generally look for specific exercises to train specific muscles, advanced body builders will look to specific exercises to train portions of a muscle. Thus, taking triceps pushdowns as a specific example, these may be performed in several ways—in order to train particular heads of the triceps brachii. A straight bar may be used, providing an orientation in which the palms face directly downward. This exercise tends to most effectively train the long head of the triceps brachii In another version, a rope is substituted for the straight bar, providing an orientation in which the palms face each other, at least partially, at the beginning of the movement, and in which the hands move farther apart from each other as the rope is pressed down. This exercise tends to move effectively train the lateral head of the triceps brachii

[0006] To date, there has been no effective device or method for training the medial head of the triceps brachii using a pushdown/pressdown type of exercise. Moreover, there also has not been a single pushdown/pressdown device permitting a user to alternately train the three different heads of the triceps brachii depending on the manner in which the exercise is performed. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a device and method for training the medial head of the triceps brachii using a pushdown/pressdown type of exercise.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device and method permitting a user with a single piece of equipment to alternately train the three different heads of the triceps brachii depending on the manner in which the exercise is performed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a triceps exercise device is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: a rigid bar adapted to be coupled to a cable from a selectorized weight training machine; and two flexible extensions coupled proximate opposing ends of the rigid bar and extending downward from the rigid bar.

[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for exercising the triceps brachii muscle is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a rigid bar adapted to be coupled to a cable from a selectorized weight training machine; providing two flexible extensions coupled proximate opposing ends of the rigid bar and extending downward from the rigid bar; coupling the rigid bar to the cable; grasping the flexible extensions; and pushing the flexible extensions in one of a straight downward direction, a downward and outward direction, and a downward and inward direction.

[0011] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the triceps exercise device of the present invention as installed on a selectorized exercise machine.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the triceps exercise device of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of one of the flexible extensions located on the triceps exercise device of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 4 is an end, cross-sectional view of the rigid bar portion of the triceps exercise device of the present invention, with a sleeve located thereon.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sleeve portion of the triceps exercise device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, the triceps exercise device 10 of the present invention is shown in perspective view. The main components of the triceps exercise device 10 include a rigid bar 12 and two flexible extensions 14 coupled preferably at opposing ends of the rigid bar 12. While the rigid bar 12 is preferably straight as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it could be angled without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, the triceps exercise device 10 is coupled to a cable 16, preferably through an eyelet 22, which cable 16 is coupled to a weight stack 18. (The term “cable” as used herein is intended to include any material suitable for coupling between a weight stack and an exercise device such as the triceps exercise device 10, including straps, chains, ropes, etc.) Upon pushing down the triceps exercise device 10, the cable 16 will travel along the pulleys 20, and a selected portion of the weight stack 18 will be lifted. The cable 16, weight stack 18, and pulleys 20 are components of a selectorized weight training machine. (The term “selectorized weight training machine” as used herein is intended to refer to any type of weight machine permitting the amount of resistance to be adjusted by the user, including machines that are plate loading, machines providing resistance with pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, etc.)

[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, reference is made to the flexible extensions 14. The flexible extensions 14 are coupled to the rigid bar 12 in such manner so as to permit the flexible extensions 14 to be pushed or press down in any of the directions shown in FIG. 1; i.e., straight downward, inward, or outward. Preferably, the flexible extensions 14 are made of rope or other flexible material so that when the flexible extensions 14 are pushed/pressed straight downward or outward the hands will be permitted to move farther apart from each other during the movement. However, it would be possible for the flexible extensions 14 to themselves be rigid, provided that a flexible/pivoting connection is provided between the flexible extensions 14 and the rigid bar 12 to permit the different movements shown in FIG. 1. The flexible extensions 14 have a first end 15 and a second end 17.

[0020] The preferred method of attaching the flexible extensions 14 to the rigid bar 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. Referring first to FIG. 5, a sleeve portion 24 is shown. The sleeve portion 24 is a cylinder having an internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the rigid bar 12, so that each sleeve portion 24 may be slid into position over an end of the rigid bar to achieve the positioning shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the sleeve portion 24 preferably has three openings along the length thereof, to facilitate attachment of the sleeve portion 24 to the rigid bar 12 and attachment of the flexible extension 14 to the sleeve portion 24.

[0021] Referring first to attachment of the sleeve portion 24 to the rigid bar 12, and drawing particular attention to FIGS. 4 and 5, a threaded hole (not shown) is preferably formed in the rigid bar 12 proximate each end thereof. An opening 26 is formed in the sleeve portion 24 along the length thereof at a position whereby, when the sleeve portion 24 is positioned over the end of the rigid bar 12, the opening 26 will line up with the threaded hole in the rigid bar 12. An allen or other type of screw 28 may then be used to couple the sleeve portion 24 to the rigid bar 12, so as to prevent the sleeve portion 24 from rotating about the rigid bar 12 during the performance of a pushdown or pressdown exercise. While this method is preferred for attaching the sleeve portion 24 to the rigid bar 12a variations are certainly possible, including for example the welding of the sleeve portion 24 to the rigid bar 12.

[0022] Referring now to the attachment of the flexible attentions to the sleeve portions 24—and thus to the rigid bar 12—attention is drawing to FIGS. 3 and 5. At a second end 17 of the flexible extension 14, a tap 30 is positioned. The tap 30 is dimensioned to accept a screw 32 inserted therein through an opening 34 along the length of the sleeve portion 24. Opposite the opening 34 is a large opening 36, dimensioned to receive therein the second end 17 of the flexible extension 14, and to permit the tap 30 to be brought into proximity with the opening 34 and to thereby permit the insertion of a screw 32 into the tap 30.

[0023] It should be understood that the sleeve portion 24 represents only one of many possible methods of affixing the flexible extensions 14 to the rigid bar 12. It would be possible, for example, to directly connect the flexible extensions 14 to the rigid bar 12, without any need for sleeve portions 24.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, attention is drawn to the first end 15 of the flexible extension 14. To prevent a user's hand from slipping off of the flexible extension 14 during exercise, it is preferable to provide an end cap 38 or other device having a diameter greater than that of the flexible extension 14. The end cap 38 is of a type known in the art, and is preferably coupled to the first end 15 of the flexible extension 14 by insertion of a screw 40 into a recessed opening 42 in the end cap 38 and into a tap 44 located in the first end 15 of the flexible extension 14, and dimensioned to accept the screw 44. The end cap 38 could be replaced by a knot in the first end 15 of the flexible extension 14 or some other wider diameter structure that will prevent a user's hand from slipping off of the end of the flexible extension 14 during exercise.

Statement of Operation

[0025] A person wishing to perform a triceps pushdown/press down exercise using the triceps exercise device 10 of the present invention will begin by coupling the triceps exercise device 10 to the cable 16 of a selectorized weight training machine. The person will then select an appropriate weight on the weight stack 18 using a pin (not shown) or other appropriate selection device depending on the nature of the selectorized weight training machine. At this stage, the person is now ready to perform the exercise movement itself.

[0026] The person will grasp in each hand a flexible extension 14, proximate the end cap 38. To exercise the long head of the triceps muscle, the person will push the flexible extensions 14 directly downward toward the ground. If the person wishes to exercise the lateral head of the triceps, the person will instead push the flexible extensions outward as they are pushed down. If the person wishes to exercise the medial head of the triceps, the person will instead push the flexible extensions inward as they are pushed down. The person may perform a single set or series of sets of pushdown/pressdown movements using only one movement, or using some combination of movements—e.g., alternating as between direct downward, inward, and outward motions on a per-repetition basis.

[0027] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A triceps exercise device comprising, in combination: a rigid bar adapted to be coupled to a cable from a selectorized weight training machine; and two flexible extensions coupled proximate opposing ends of said rigid bar and extending downward from said rigid bar.
 2. The triceps exercise device of claim 1 wherein said rigid bar is straight.
 3. The triceps exercise device of claim 1 wherein said flexible extensions comprise rope.
 4. The triceps exercise device of claim 3 further comprising end caps located at first ends of each of said flexible extensions distal from said rigid bar.
 5. The triceps exercise device of claim 4 further comprising taps located in said first ends of said flexible extensions to facilitate attachment of said end caps to said first ends.
 6. The triceps exercise device of claim 1 further comprising two sleeves adapted to be attached at opposing ends of said rigid bar wherein each said sleeve has a first opening therein to permit coupling of said sleeve to said rigid bar, a second opening therein to receive a second end of said flexible extension, and a third opening to permit coupling of said sleeve to said second end.
 7. The triceps exercise device of claim 6 further comprising taps located in said second ends of said flexible extensions.
 8. A method for exercising the triceps brachii muscle comprising the steps of: providing a rigid bar adapted to be coupled to a cable from a selectorized weight training machine; providing two flexible extensions coupled proximate opposing ends of said rigid bar and extending downward from said rigid bar; coupling said rigid bar to said cable; grasping said flexible extensions; and pushing said flexible extensions in one of a straight downward direction, a downward and outward direction, and a downward and inward direction.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein said rigid bar is straight.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein said flexible extensions comprise rope.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of providing end caps located at first ends of each of said flexible extensions distal from said rigid bar.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of providing taps in said first ends of said flexible extensions to facilitate attachment of said end caps to said first ends.
 13. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of providing two sleeves adapted to be attached at opposing ends of said rigid bar wherein each said sleeve has a first opening therein to permit coupling of said sleeve to said rigid bar, a second opening therein to receive a second end of said flexible extension, and a third opening to permit coupling of said sleeve to said second end.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the steps of providing taps in said second ends of said flexible extensions. 